EURL-PH-DIPE: European reference laboratory network for EURL for public health in the field of Diphtheria and Pertussis

Diphtheria and Pertussis are vaccine-preventable bacterial diseases that continue to re-emerge/circulate in EU countries, in which the two diseases are object of surveillance. Reference activities and expertise for the two diseases are often combined. However, there is a clear need for harmonization of methods, capacity building and professional exchanges of expertise and materials at the European level.
Moreover, effective surveillance of bacterial populations and evaluation of the impact of bacterial changes on effectiveness of vaccines are critical to inform the optimal vaccination programs to prevent the two diseases. The purpose of this application is to set up and coordinate a network of national reference laboratories for the two diseases. This is achieved through establishment of a EURL designated for pertussis and diphtheria, and by maintaining the reference laboratory functions. This project will focus to enhance protection and preparedness against pertussis and diphtheria in Europe, by 16 different tasks including EQA studies, seroprevalence study, gaps analysis, wet-lab and twining trainings as well as online scientific seminars to improve functions of each NRL, and by providing guidance and help to both ECDC and NRLs. These combined with solid coordination and communication will ensure that project outcome will be achieved.